Do you wish to go gorilla trekking? A safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest located in the south western part of Uganda can make your wish come to true. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is composed of a rain forest in the lofty Kigezi Highlands, a habitat more than 450 Mountain Gorillas, half of the world’s population. Eighteen habituated gorilla families can be found in Bwindi with a further family resident in Mgahinga. There are four locations where you can track gorillas that is to say; Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Nkuringo in the south west, and Rushaga located in the south. All families have special jungle or wild antics that mesmerize the trackers, if you have enough time and resources you can track more than one group during your trip.

Before carrying out the activity, there are rules and regulations you have to consider while going to meet these huge endangered apes. In most cases, they are referred to as the dos and don’ts. All of them will be given to you at the briefing before the tracking but again it’s better to know them as you prepare to have your safari today.

The rain forest is also a sanctuary for chimpanzees, forest elephants, and over 350 bird species.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the most popular of Uganda’s national parks. Located in the South Western region of Uganda approximately 527km from Kampala city, Bwindi is a world known heritage site – one of the only three UNESCO world heritage sites within the country. The unique nature of the National Park makes it the ultimate destination for most visitors to Uganda and East Africa. The Forest Reserve was set up in 1942 and later revived around 1992 into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park . In 1994 the park earned international recognition, as a World Heritage Site.

Quick Facts About Bwindi

Location: Kabale
Animals: Mountain Gorillas Monkeys & Birds
Activities: Forest Walks, Game Viewing, Birding, etc
Main Attraction: Mountain gorillas are the star attraction
Things to Do: Gorilla Tracking, Nature Walks, Cultural Experiences
Entrance: East African Citizens: Ush10,000(Adults), Ush5,000(Children). Foreign Residents in E.Africa US$25(Adults), US$10(children). Foreign non-residents US$35(Adults), US$20(Children). School children in groups Ush2,500(E.Africa Residents). Entrance permit is valid for 24 hours from time of entrance.

The main eye-catching areas of the park are open all year round thereby attracting a multitude of tourists  locally, regionally and internationally. Anytime is time to visit, though conditions involving hiking and gorilla tracking are a bit challenging during the wet season.

The park covers an area of about 327square Kilometres of densely compacted vegetation and is well endowed with the World’s critically endangered mountain gorillas, over 300 bird species, primates such as chimpanzees, black and white colobus, red colobus, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey and L’Hoest’s monkey. We also find giant forest hogs, small antelopes, ants, chameleones and butterflies.

Getting There

You can travel by road from Kampala via Mbarara to Kabale which is about a six-eight hours drive. Those who find travelling by road a little bit un comfortable can opt for transport by Air; Tourists can fly from Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe and land off from Kisoro airstrip. Those who may want to visit Buhoma may take on the charter planes and land off from Kayonza airstrip.

Things to Do in Bwindi

What to do;

• Gorilla Tracking
• Nature Walk / Hiking
• Bird watching
• Guided walks

We cannot forget talking about other activities carried out in the park also has a number of community and forest treks. One can trek around on his or her own but security and safety wise, you need to consult guides for clarifications about the route you are about to take. Some treks require hiking especially those to Muyanga water fall that departs from Buhoma, Rushura Hill walk that passes through one forest shared by two countries.

Every gorilla permit in Uganda costs $600 per person to participate tracking with a maximum of only 8 people per day. It’s better to book a gorilla permit with a tour agent to make clear preparations on which gorilla family to track and make prior booking for accommodation of the same location. Permits are available at Uganda Wildlife Authority and you are advised to make your booking in advance before the tracking day. The activity requires physical fitness since it is a bit tiresome when moving in the in the impenetrable forest.

Culture and People

More so, it is of great importance to discover the native people living around any tourism destination. This is because they present their cultures through the art performances, music and dances. Therefore explore the rich cultural heritage that these people have and cherish every day. Local villages arrange community walk that lead visitors to the traditional healer, black smith, rural home stead as well as brewers. This can only be witnessed through village walks in the area. Like in any other area, the Bakiga and Batwa people live near the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi National Park.

With the help of tour operators, the park can be accessed easily by road or air depending on your planned itinerary and resources. There are also options for back packers to use public coaches that are available to Kisoro. Private car hires are easily accessible through the mountain terrain which requires a 4 wheel car for easy climbing up of the hills.

Road Distances

From Kampala to Bwindi, it takes about 10 – 12 hours to drive but it is only 45 minutes by flight from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip. Much more fun can be experienced by travelling by road due to the available activities en-route as well as tourist attractions such as the equator passing via Masaka, cultural museums and craft shops.

Before Gorilla Tracking:

• A maximum number of 8 visitors will see a group of habituated gorillas in a day as this minimizes the risk of behavioral change and exposure to diseases.
• Only people of 16 and above will be allowed to track the gorillas. There are porters to help the elderly and the frail.
• Ensure that you have clean hands as you head out to the gorillas, wash them before if need be.
• Always keep you voices low to watch out for other forest wildlife and not to scare the gorillas.
• Don’t liter any rubbish in the park. Ensure that you carry all the trash you move with
• You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorillas the day before. It is from there that you will follow the trail to locate the gorillas. The guides will inform you when you approach the gorillas.
• Keep a distance of about 7 meters simply because the further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be and the more chances to have the best experience.
• Stay in the company of your group members.
• Keep your voices down at all times. But, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
• Avoid eating or smoking near the gorillas as this may increase the risk of disease transmission.
• Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
• Flash photography is not permitted and dangerous! When taking pictures you can move slowly and carefully.
• Do not attempt to touch the gorillas. They are wild animals like any other.
• The maximum time with the gorillas is 1 hour however if the gorillas are agitated the guide will advise to leave early, please adhere to this.
• When heading away from the gorillas try to keep your voices low until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
• Respect the number of visitor limit imposed by authority per day as this limits the risk of diseases and hence saving for the future.
• If you are ill or carrying a contagious disease like a cough please endeavor to stay behind and your money will be refunded or an alternative visit will be organized for you.
• If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
• If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 cm deep and fill it in when you are finished.
• Don’t litter rubbish for example food wrappers and bottles in the park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.

What to bring on your Gorilla Safari:

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes that will enable you hike as well as in sloping.
• Put on ear plugs if you are not comfortable with the jungle sounds
• Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
• Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable) and insect repellent.
• You may also carry your camera in case you may want to take a few photos but put in mind that flashes should be off.

Where to stay in Bwindi impenetrable National park

Bwindi impenetrable National park has several accommodations in the different sectors where you can stay on your gorilla safari to the park. The accommodations range from luxury, midrange and budget which are strategically located and close to trekking points. They also have friendly atmospheres with the most exciting customer care and high quality facilities.

“Seeing the endangered apes on a gorilla trek through the impenetrable nature of the national park and the luxuriant thick ever green vegetation is one of Africa’s most memorable experiences: don’t miss it.”

The accommodations include:

Buhoma sector (north)

Buhoma Campsite is well known for its range of accommodation that favors both budget and up-market tourists. It’s always better to book in advance. For more information contact, Buhoma Lodge. Other places include; Silverback lodge, Buhoma Community rest camp, and Natures Prime Island.

Silver back lodge

It is a luxury accommodation located in the northern part of the park. It is the latest added property by Marasa Africa and it is 5 minutes’ walk to Bwindi impenetrable National park with stunning views of the valley and forest that surround it.

Mahogany spring camp

A luxury accommodation established close to the entrance of Buhoma sector in Bwindi impenetrable National park. Accommodations in Mahogany spring camp are in superior suites and presidential suite

Buhoma lodge

It is a luxury accommodation located very close to the park entry point. It has 10 cottages each with private veranda with the views of the forest, spacious, equipped with comfortable beds.

Gorilla forest camp

It is a luxury accommodation located at the entrance of Bwindi impenetrable National park which makes it an ideal for gorilla trekking.

Volcanoes safari lodge

It is a luxury accommodation Situated in Buhoma sector north of the park. The accommodation is presented in 8 bandas with views of the forest.

Buhoma Haven lodge

It is a midrange accommodation situated in Buhoma and 5 minutes’ walk from Buhoma town. It offers accommodations to travelers that visit Bwindi impenetrable National park.

Ruhija sector (East)

Bakiga lodge

It is a midrange accommodation offering affordable accommodations to the travelers that visit Bwindi impenetrable National park. It is built on top of a beautiful valley overlooking Bwindi impenetrable National park and a few minutes to the trekking points.

Agandi lodge

A new Eco-friendly lodge in Ruhija sector located a few minutes from the briefing point. It offers typically African accommodation only made with local material and art including huts, volcanic cottages and tree nests.

Broadbill forest camp

It is a midrange lodge located in Ruhija sector on the eastern edge of Bwindi impenetrable forest. The camp is calm and peaceful with stunning views of Bwindi impenetrable forest which is suitable for relaxation while enjoying wildlife.

Rushaga sector (south)

Chameleon Hill lodge.

It is located on the shores of Lake Mutanda overlooking Lake Mutanda, Virunga National park and Bwindi impenetrable National park. It is a luxury accommodation with over 10 private cottages

Rushaga gorilla safari lodge

Rushaga gorilla safari lodge is a luxury accommodation located on the boundary line of Bwindi impenetrable forest home to the highest number of mountain gorillas in Uganda and in the world. The lodge offers accommodation in 8 spacious luxurious suites with verandas allowing excellent views of the park and the magical forest.

Bwindi jungle lodge

It is located on Lake Murehe about 10 kms from Kisoro town and 20kms from the southern gate of Bwindi impenetrable National park in Rushaga and Nkuringo

Ichumbi gorilla lodge

Gorilla trekking is the main activity in Bwindi impenetrable National park and Ichumbi gorilla lodge offers comfortable accommodation while preparing your gorilla trekking. It is located just 10 minutes from Rushaga gate, it offers excellent services, comfortable accommodation among others.

Rushaga gorilla camp

Rushaga gorilla camp is situated in Rushaga sector in the southern park of Bwindi impenetrable National park. It is a midrange accommodation overlooking Bwindi impenetrable forest and excellent location for your gorilla trekking experience.

Nkuringo sector (south)

Clouds mountain gorilla lodge

It is a top-notch accommodation located in the remote area of Nkuringo and at 2000 meters above sea level. It is a luxury accommodation and highest lodge in Uganda overlooking the 8 Virunga ranges and Bwindi impenetrable National park.

Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge.

Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge is located on the Nteko ridge overlooking the beautiful Bwindi impenetrable forest. The lodge has panoramic views of the volcanoes of the Virunga ranges, it comprises of 8 cottages, 3 villas made up of 2 superior cottages and 1 family all made with hand crafted local material with en suite bathrooms, private verandas, fire places among others.